hyena
B2Neutral to formal in biological contexts; informal and pejorative in metaphorical use.
Definition
Meaning
A carnivorous mammal of Africa and Asia, known for its dog-like appearance, powerful jaws, scavenging behaviour, and distinctive laughing or cackling vocalisation.
A metaphor for a person who scavenges, preys on the vulnerable, or exhibits cruel, greedy, or treacherous behaviour; someone who laughs in a loud, shrill, or unnerving manner.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core meaning refers strictly to the biological animal. The extended, pejorative meaning is common in political, social, and literary discourse, drawing on cultural perceptions of the hyena as a cowardly scavenger (though in reality, they are also effective hunters).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. The metaphorical use is equally recognised.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general use, appearing primarily in nature contexts or as a vivid metaphor.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The hyena [verb: scavenged, laughed, circled, attacked].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “laugh like a hyena”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically for cut-throat competitors or unethical partners: 'The corporate hyenas circled the failing company.'
Academic
Used in biology, zoology, and ecology papers. In humanities, used as a literary or sociological metaphor for parasitism.
Everyday
Mainly in discussions about wildlife, documentaries, or as a strong insult: 'Stop laughing like a hyena!'
Technical
Precise taxonomic reference to species in the family Hyaenidae (e.g., Crocuta crocuta).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'Hyena' is not used as a verb in standard English.
American English
- 'Hyena' is not used as a verb in standard English.
adverb
British English
- 'Hyena' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- 'Hyena' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- 'Hyena-like' laughter echoed in the hall.
- His hyena-ish grin was unsettling.
American English
- She had a hyena-like cackle.
- The hyenaesque behaviour of the mob was alarming.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A hyena is an animal that lives in Africa.
- The hyena made a strange laughing sound.
- We saw a pack of hyenas on the safari.
- In the film, the villain laughed like a hyena.
- The spotted hyena's social structure is remarkably complex.
- Political commentators described the lobbyists as hyenas feeding on the crisis.
- The hyena's bone-crushing bite force is among the strongest of any mammal.
- His metaphor painted the tabloid journalists as a slavering pack of hyenas, dismantling reputations for scraps.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HIGH-EE-NA' laughs HIGH and EEs (makes 'ee' sounds) at a victim.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMORAL PERSON IS A SCAVENGING ANIMAL / CRUEL LAUGHTER IS HYENA'S CACKLE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation 'гиена' exists and carries identical metaphorical meaning. No false friends.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'hiena', 'hyenna'. Mispronunciation: /ˈhaɪ.nə/ (like 'high-na').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common metaphorical meaning of calling someone a 'hyena'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, this is a common misconception. While they scavenge, hyenas are also skilled hunters and kill most of their food.
Neutral when referring to the animal. It is strongly negative and insulting when applied to a person, implying greed, cruelty, or dishonesty.
It's a high-pitched cackling or giggling vocalisation, often made during social excitement or conflict, not necessarily associated with 'happiness'.
No, it is not standard English. The noun is used metaphorically (e.g., 'to behave like a hyena').